GK: Class 12 General Q&A · Page 107
3,658 free answers on GK (General) for Class 12 students, across CBSE, ICSE and State boards.
Question & Answer
Questions
- GeneralClass 12All
What is ethyl OH?
Ethyl-OH is another way of writing ethanol (C2H5OH or CH3CH2OH), where "ethyl" represents the C2H5 group and "OH" is the hydroxyl group. This notation emphasizes the alcohol functional group (-OH) attached to the ethyl chain.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is CH3COOH pH?
CH3COOH is acetic acid (vinegar's main component). Pure acetic acid has a pH near 2.4 (very acidic), while household vinegar (5% acetic acid solution) has a pH around 2.5-3.0. pH varies with concentration—more dilute solutions have higher (less acidic) pH values.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is C2H5 COOH?
C2H5COOH (also written as CH3CH2COOH) is propanoic acid (propionic acid), a carboxylic acid with three carbon atoms. It's not an alcohol but rather an organic acid used as a food preservative and in various chemical processes. It has a pungent odor and is naturally found in some fermented foods.
- GeneralClass 12All
Is there any alcohol without ethanol?
No drinkable "alcohol" beverage exists without ethanol ethanol is what makes it alcoholic. "Non-alcoholic" beers and wines contain trace amounts (usually <0.5% ethanol). If you mean other types of chemical alcohols, yes but methanol, isopropanol, and others are toxic and not for consumption.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is the best drink to replace alcohol?
Healthy alternatives include: sparkling water with fruit, non-alcoholic spirits and mocktails, herbal teas, kombucha (trace alcohol only), flavored seltzers, fresh juices, and specialty non-alcoholic beers or wines. The best choice depends on personal preference and the social context.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is the problem with ethanol?
Issues with ethanol include: as fuel, it provides less energy than gasoline and can damage some engines; it absorbs water, potentially causing fuel system corrosion; production requires significant agricultural land and water; its net environmental benefits are debated; and as a beverage, it causes health problems, addiction, and social issues when misused.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is the Supreme Court decision on ethanol?
Specific Supreme Court decisions on ethanol vary by country and jurisdiction. Questions about particular rulings require more context. In India, courts have addressed ethanol blending policies, state prohibition laws, and industry regulations. Please specify which Supreme Court and which decision for detailed information.
- GeneralClass 12All
What are the main causes of high blood pressure?
Primary causes include genetics, obesity, high sodium intake, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and aging. Secondary hypertension results from underlying conditions like kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Diet, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medication can manage blood pressure effectively.
- GeneralClass 12All
Does lack of sleep cause high blood pressure?
Yes, chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Sleep helps regulate stress hormones and nervous system function. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly. Sleep apnea, which disrupts sleep, is particularly associated with hypertension.
- GeneralClass 12All
What are the first signs of liver damage from alcohol?
Early alcoholic liver disease may be asymptomatic, but initial signs include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort (especially upper right side), and mild weight loss. As damage progresses, jaundice, swelling, confusion, and other serious symptoms appear. Many people have no symptoms until damage is advanced.
- GeneralClass 12All
What are the first signs of a bad liver?
Early liver damage often shows no symptoms, but warning signs include: fatigue, loss of appetite, mild abdominal discomfort in the upper right area, nausea, yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, easy bruising or bleeding, and swelling in legs or abdomen. If you experience these, seek medical evaluation.
- GeneralClass 12All
What removes alcohol from the body?
The liver is the primary organ that removes alcohol, metabolizing about 90-95% of consumed ethanol through enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase). The remaining 5-10% is eliminated through breath, urine, and sweat. The liver processes approximately one standard drink per hour this rate cannot be significantly increased.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is the disease where your body makes alcohol?
Auto-brewery syndrome (gut fermentation syndrome) is a rare condition where the digestive system produces ethanol from carbohydrates, causing intoxication without drinking alcohol. It's typically caused by an overgrowth of fermenting yeast or bacteria in the gut, often triggered by antibiotics or high-carb diets.
- GeneralClass 12All
Does ethanol cause cell death?
Yes, ethanol causes cell death through multiple mechanisms. At high concentrations, it disrupts cell membranes, denatures proteins, and dehydrates cells. This is why it's effective as a disinfectant. In the human body, chronic alcohol exposure causes liver cells to die (hepatocyte death), leading to cirrhosis.
- GeneralClass 12All
What bacteria cannot be killed by alcohol?
Bacterial spores (like those from Clostridium difficile), certain non-enveloped viruses, and some fungal spores are resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants. Prions (infectious proteins) are also not inactivated by alcohol. For these pathogens, stronger disinfectants or sterilization methods are required.
- GeneralClass 12All
Can bacteria live in ethanol?
Most bacteria cannot survive in ethanol concentrations above 60-70%, which is why alcohol is used as a disinfectant. However, some bacteria can survive in lower concentrations, and certain microorganisms have adapted to tolerate or even metabolize ethanol. Pure ethanol (100%) is actually less effective than 70% solutions because some water is needed for the antimicrobial action.
- GeneralClass 12All
How much methanol can a human drink?
No amount of methanol is safe to drink intentionally. As little as 10 mL (2 teaspoons) can cause blindness, and 30-100 mL can be fatal. Methanol is extremely toxic and should never be consumed. If methanol ingestion is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- GeneralClass 12All
Is ethanol toxic to humans?
Yes, ethanol is toxic but in a dose-dependent manner. Small amounts are processed relatively safely by the body, but larger quantities overwhelm metabolic systems. Acute toxicity causes intoxication and potentially fatal poisoning, while chronic exposure damages liver, brain, heart, and other organs.
- GeneralClass 12All
How do I tell if my drink has methanol in it?
Unfortunately, you cannot detect methanol by taste, smell, or appearance it looks and tastes similar to ethanol. Symptoms of methanol poisoning (blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, headache) appear 12-24 hours after consumption. Only consume alcohol from regulated, reputable sources and avoid homemade or suspicious beverages.
- GeneralClass 12All
What is the antidote for ethanol poisoning?
There's no specific antidote for ethanol poisoning. Treatment is supportive: maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation; IV fluids to prevent dehydration; monitoring vital signs; preventing aspiration if vomiting; and sometimes dialysis in severe cases. Time and the body's metabolism are the ultimate "cures."